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New technology now in Potchefstroom - Potchefstroom Herald - 22 February 2018
February 22,
2018 2163 2163 
Eleven years ago, North-West University, funded by the Department of Science and Technology and supported by the Technology Innovation Agency, developed technology to enhance the bioavailability of active ingredients for a wide range of applications.
The first commercial product based on this Pheroid® delivery system was a bio-transporter to deliver macro- and micro-nutrients in agriculture. This product is already being exported to four continents.
Recognising an opportunity for product differentiation in a competitive environment, South African companies from a number of sectors have formed a cluster to investigate the use of Pheroid ® in their own products and market development initiatives.
This commercialisation process is also supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The instalment of these units is an excellent example of two government departments taking hands with members from both the industry and education sectors to develop the home-grown technology into locally manufactured products that can stimulate the economy.
The objective of the pod is to share resources and serve as a product development and small-scale manufacturing platform for Pheroid® based products that will unlock the development of a local Pheroid®-based industry with significant potential for worldwide export.
The units have been designed and manufactured locally by Einstein Electrical in accordance with NWU specifications. According to the Preclinical Drug Development Platform, the Pheroid® delivery system enhances the absorption of various pharmacological compounds and biological molecules.
The nano- and microvesicles and -sponges act as bio-transporters that can entrap hydrophilic, hydrophobic or amphiphilic compounds for biomedical and agricultural applications.